I wasn't going to post it here because first I just put it down to nationalistic bias (nobody's immune, it seems ) but then they went to the kiss'n'cry and I went Marina Zueva? Had no idea. No wonder I liked the choreo. Apparently they train at Canton in the low season - wonder how they can afford it? I'm assuming they have some sponsors and get some national lottery cash as well...Ice dance is no bigger here than singles or pairs (do we have pairs even?), but I'm thinking they're wanting to make them into the next Rahkamo & Kokko...

Thanks for these, especially Toller's Romeo and Juliet! Isn't he the ideal Tybalt?

When you look at Curry and Cranston and realize that they weren't really following in anyone's footsteps--they were the beginning of true interpretive skating for men, blending athleticism and artistry--you understand how extraordinary they were. I'm only sorry that by all accounts they disliked each other, because together they could have really come up with some extraordinary productions. I don't mean necessarily by skating together, because their styles were so different, but by collaborating somehow. Most older Americans first became skating fans because of some ladies skater, either Peggy Fleming, Janet Lynn, Dorothy Hamill, or Kristi or Michelle. With me it was exactly when I discovered Curry and Cranston.

Yulia has a new fan video out everyday it seems and we're posting them in her fan page like little maniacs This one is really cool and shows how gifted this little one is. Very cool song and the video is put together extremely well. It's only 2 minutes so quick and easy..right?

If we're talking chills then this one is it for me at least. It shows the season from a very unique view. The moments before and after her skates and the emotions involved in competing and preparing for a very tiring season. The music is also good and sells the concept. I'm clearly a fan of hers but I think even non-fans can get into these two videos.

I'm sure all of these performances are great but I do wonder how many Gordeeva/Grinkov performances in here would be considered "spine-tingling" if we hadn't lost him so tragically?

Not necessarily a program, but a moment in a program - Joshua Farris' Schindler's List step sequence. It didn't matter what else happened in the program at any time he did it - that step sequence was just perfection and got me right in the feels every single time. I always got really angry whenever any of the commentators talked through it. And it was good to see that it always got a warm appreciative clap from the audience no matter where he was.

He says he wants to make us bawl this season. Well, I was already sobbing by the end of it at Nationals this season, so, uh, I may need some help next season...

[QUOTE=Olympia;945734]Thanks for these, especially Toller's Romeo and Juliet! Isn't he the ideal Tybalt?

When you look at Curry and Cranston and realize that they weren't really following in anyone's footsteps--they were the beginning of true interpretive skating for men, blending athleticism and artistry--you understand how extraordinary they were. I'm only sorry that by all accounts they disliked each other, because together they could have really come up with some extraordinary productions. I don't mean necessarily by skating together, because their styles were so different, but by collaborating somehow. Most older Americans first became skating fans because of some ladies skater, either Peggy Fleming, Janet Lynn, Dorothy Hamill, or Kristi or Michelle. With me it was exactly when I discovered Curry and Cranston.[/QUOTE
^^^ Another "older" American for Toller! Although I remember watching and rooting for Janet Lynn, Toller first entranced me, and ever since, when I have followed skating, it has been the men, not the women, whom I truly enjoy. It is difficult to describe how magical he (and Curry) were at the time, but Graduation Ball will always get me because I remember seeing it the first time.

I stumbled upon the men's group number from The Ice 2013 some time ago and just love it. Love the music and I think there's something strangely captivating about the simplicity of this program. If you don't count the whole skating with one skate thing, I'd imagine that might feel weird. But they really create a beautiful atmosphere with this performance.